Beginner Series ✓ verified

A Taste of Mahjong

A gentle 90-minute introduction to American mahjong on the porch at Perry's Porch, coffee or matcha in hand. Instructor Gaia Banovich covers the tiles and suits, a simplified card and the Charleston, then guides a practice hand move by move. It runs on Thursday mornings alongside the porch's free open play, so beginners can see the next step waiting for them.

A Taste of Mahjong is a beginner class held at Perry's Porch in St. Petersburg, FL. It costs $28 ($28 per person). The class runs as a series of sessions. Schedule: Thursdays 9:00-10:30 AM on the listed dates (arrive 8:45 AM). Check Perry's Porch's site for the latest availability and booking.

Price$28 ($28 per person)

Duration1h 30m

ScheduleThursdays 9:00-10:30 AM on the listed dates (arrive 8:45 AM)

MaterialsNot included — see price note

Best forThe mahjong-curious who want a low-commitment first taste

Book this class on Perry's Porch's site

At a Glance

Activity	Mahjong Lessons
Class	A Taste of Mahjong
Level	Beginner
Duration	1h 30m
Price	$28 ($28 per person)
Frequency	Series
Schedule	Thursdays 9:00-10:30 AM on the listed dates (arrive 8:45 AM)
Location	Perry's Porch, St. Petersburg FL
Provider	Perry's Porch
Booking	Available — see booking link

What you'll learn

Tile and suit recognition
How the Charleston works
A guided first hand

Upcoming Sessions

2026-11-12
2026-11-19
2026-12-10
2026-12-17

Sessions change — confirm dates with Perry's Porch before booking.

Data Verification

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026

Source: Official provider website

✓ Verified by a human researcher

Prices and schedules change. Please confirm current details with Perry's Porch before booking.

More Mahjong Lessons in St. Petersburg

Common Questions About Mahjong Lessons in St. Petersburg

These are the questions people most often ask about mahjong lessons in St. Petersburg — answers apply city-wide, not just to this class.

How much do mahjong lessons cost in St. Petersburg?

3 of the 9 mahjong lessons in St. Petersburg are free to attend; the rest run from $12 to $75 (typical: $29). Every figure is computed from the listings themselves, not estimated.

Do I need to know how to play before my first lesson?

No. Beginner sessions start with the tiles themselves — how the walls are built, the Charleston, and what a finished hand looks like. Most run a short teach-the-rules round before play.

Are tiles and the current mahjong card provided?

Tiles are supplied at almost every venue, and most classes lend or include the current year's card. If you'd like to confirm, the organiser's page says so.

How long does it take to learn mahjong?

Two hours is typical for a first lesson, and most people leave able to play a full hand with the card in front of them. Fluent recognition of the hands takes a season of regular play.

Is mahjong for older adults, or can anyone learn?

No. Tables run from retirees to college students — the game is pattern recognition and table talk, not a fitness test, and most groups are glad to have new players of any age.